nomenclature

noun

no·​men·​cla·​ture ˈnō-mən-ˌklā-chər How to pronounce nomenclature (audio)
 also  nō-ˈmen-klə-ˌchu̇r,
-ˈmeŋ-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r
1
: name, designation
… the changing nomenclature of her streets is even more baffling …Cornelia O. Skinner
2
: the act or process or an instance of naming
nomenclature … is at its simplest the task of assigning a name to each distinct speciesR. I. Smith
3
a
: a system or set of terms or symbols especially in a particular science, discipline, or art
the nomenclature of inorganic chemistry
b
: an international system of standardized New Latin names used in biology for kinds and groups of kinds of animals and plants
nomenclatural adjective

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Are nomenclature and Name Synonymous?

Nomenclature comes from a Latin word meaning "the assigning of names." English's name and noun are rooted in the Latinate nomen.

Examples of nomenclature in a Sentence

the nomenclatures of zoology and chemistry the nomenclature, “tuxedo,” derives from the fact that the jacket first became popular in the resort area of Tuxedo Park, New York
Recent Examples on the Web The online gaming giant will be able to crown the 16 regional sports networks operated by Diamond Sports Group with its moniker, wiping away the Bally Sports nomenclature that has been present on these regional sports outlets for the past few years. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024 The nomenclature for the Monarch series is a little confusing. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024 Confusingly, this style is known as phonk, leading to a nomenclature nightmare — while Brazilian funk is different from American funk, and phonk is another thing altogether, all three share the same pronunciation. Elias Leight, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2024 From scurries and pods to murders, caravans, and prides, the nomenclature of groups of animals is as colorful and rich as her canvases. Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nomenclature 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nomenclature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin nōmenclātūra "assigning of names to things," from nōmen "name" + calātus, past participle of calāre "to announce, proclaim" + -ūra -ure — more at name entry 1, low entry 3

Note: The Latin word is formed after earlier nōmenclātor "slave tasked with telling his master the names of clients and others encountered publicly"—see nomenclator.

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nomenclature was in 1610

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Cite this Entry

“Nomenclature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nomenclature. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nomenclature

noun
no·​men·​cla·​ture ˈnō-mən-ˌklā-chər How to pronounce nomenclature (audio)
: a system of terms used in a particular science, field of knowledge, or art
especially : the scientific names for plants and animals used in biology compare binomial nomenclature
Etymology

from Latin nomenclatura "a calling by name, list of names," derived from nomen "name" and calatus, past participle of calare "to call"

Medical Definition

nomenclature

noun
no·​men·​cla·​ture
ˈnō-mən-ˌklā-chər also nō-ˈmen-klə-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -ˈmeŋ-, -klə-chər, -klə-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r
: a system of terms used in a particular science
especially : an international system of standardized New Latin names used in biology for kinds and groups of kinds of animals and plants see binomial nomenclature
nomenclatural adjective
nomenclaturally adverb

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